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Federer just edges Wawrinka for quarterfinal spot

3/14/13 1:04 PM | Cheryl MurrayRoger Federer just edged out Stanislas Wawrinka for a spot in the Indian Wells quarterfinals.

Even in poor form by his standards, Roger Federer managed to secure his 13th win over compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka, this time with a 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5 scoreline.

Federer served poorly through most of the match, a testament perhaps to the back problem the world No. 2 picked up earlier in the week. Wawrinka actually secured a service break right away in the opening set, but he couldn't hold onto it and Federer not only earned the break back, he secured a second break to take the lead.

Federer continued to struggle with his form in the second set. Wawrinka managed to keep pace with his countryman, and though neither man showed his best tennis, it was Wawrinka who came out on top in the tiebreaker.

Wawrinka appeared to have the third set under control, as he took the break lead. But just as in the first set, he quickly handed the advantage back to Federer with a poor service game. And though the match seemed headed to a deciding set breaker, it was not to be. Wawrinka's game deserted him as he was serving to stay in the match and Federer snagged a second break to get the win.

Federer will face old rival Rafael Nadal in a blockbuster quarterfinal.

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Comments

Somthing seriously wrong with his back. He was serving for the match in second set and then donated the set to WAWA Now match between two injured superstars!! In all probability, Rafa will win as he will get special energy once he see Roger on the other side of the net!!

velliat53, 3/14/13 1:46 PM

I agree. I think the back is hampering his service motion. I hope he's not too hobbled tonight. People have been waiting for another rafa-roger match...but NOT with one of them too injured to serve.

cherylmurray, 3/14/13 2:04 PM

To be honest, i never really noticed that Roger's serve was hampered! He played quite well in my estimation. Yeah he may have had an issue but Stan never really exposed Roger's back problem, Roger looked in control of the match except in the tie-break! I think this back problem is quite over-played!!!

Monalysa, 3/14/13 3:05 PM

Last year "unwell" Roger won Indian Wells. I have a feeling the back problem is just an excuse prepared in advance for a possible loss.